Portland Restaurant Week is upon us. Well, sort of. Let me explain. There is no actual “Portland Restauarant Week” taking place in Portland, at least right now, but here on Just Add Cheese, we’ll be highlighting some of the best places to eat in Portland, ME over the next few days. Why, you ask? Because we’re basically obsessed, that’s why.

Meesh and I made our way up there this past weekend for a mini 3-day vacay. Within minutes of arriving, it was inevitable, we were sucking down the Portland Kool-Aid and HARD. The beaches were gorgeous, the people were friendly, the food was outstanding, and stepping away from the busy city for a few days was beyond serendipitous.

After soaking up some rays on the cheesy beach known as Old Orchard, we arrived in Portland Friday night for a long evening of drinking and dining (which you’ll be hearing about soon!) followed by a much needed trip to Local 188 on Saturday morning. You may remember our guest blogger Mel, and fellow Portland resident, mentioning it in her round up of best West End eats in Portland a few weeks back. A quick glance at that massive scramble and we knew we had to try it out for ourselves.

After we hydrated, and re-energized, we got back to business with the Brunch 75…

made with gin, cava, grapefruit juice and st. germain. No, this is not a joke. It is real and it is genius AND you can make it too. Here’s how:

To curb our food cravings we noshed on Huevos Rancheros — two crispy corn tortillas stacked with black beans, fried eggs, salsa, cilantro, and cheddar. Paired with a side of potatoes and doused with a little bit of hot sauce… forgettaboutit.

We also decided to build one of our own scrambles with local veggies. Today’s selection included mushrooms, scallions and heirloom tomatoes. Topped with the best english muffin evar (second to the one at Area Four or course) I couldn’t stop rolling my eyes out of sheer amazement for this breakfast spread.

But then, this happened >>>

It’s a pancake! Twice the size of a small child! Made in a cast iron skillet! Takes 20 minutes to make! Because that’s how long it takes to make the perfect pancake, which is what it is!! Ugh, I can’t.

It’s been less than 48 hours since our return and I’m still basking in post-Portland bliss. I’m honestly considering putting down an offer on some real estate up there later this week. Clearly I need to be slapped back to reality, I don’t think my mind has fully returned yet. Anyone else suffering from a Holiday hangover?